Lumberton emergency room patients could wait up to 12 hours due to swell of COVID-19 hospitalizations

Renae Taylor, vice president and chief nurse executive, said that the hospital has about 200 beds available, and there is room for 45 patients in the ER. The state reports that there's a "significant" spread of COVID-19 in Robeson County.

"We have what is called a fast-track area where we try to get those patients that have minor illnesses in and out in a couple of hours," she said. "But, the average right now is anywhere from 4 to 6 hours and where having some people who are there 12 to 15 hours."

The hospital is also short-staffed, which impacts how many patients it can treat at once. Their staffing issues are also connected to the pandemic, Taylor said.

Usually there is an "overflow unit" where hospitals can take an additional 21 patients. But right now, the hospital doesn't have the resources to support that.

"We had to make the decision back in June not to open that overflow area anymore because we truly don't have the resources to care for those additional patients," Taylor said.

One reason there are fewer nurses in the workforce right now is pandemic fatigue.

Crystal Tillman, CEO of the North Carolina Board of Nursing, told WRAL News in December that working under stress has led to some newer nurses leaving the profession altogether.

Another factor is a shortage of nursing educators. Tillman said there aren't many people going on to get a master's degree in education.

Anyone with an urgent health issue is still encouraged to go to the emergency room. But officials are asking that people visit a primary care doctor or urgent care clinic first if they aren't feeling well.

People who are sick but don't require emergency care can visit a UNC Health southereastern primary care or walk-in clinic at these locations:

To schedule an appointment, call 1-844-735-8864.